Theological Studies

The Theological Studies degree develops your capacity for careful analysis and study of theology. You will learn the thoughts of great theologians while incorporating the disciplines of Christian spirituality from the evangelical perspective.

Integrative Studies

Tyndale’s Theological Studies focuses on studying theology and practicing Christian spirituality. It is designed to integrate several areas of study including: biblical studies, biblical languages, Christian theology, church history, and ministry formation. You will gain the knowledge, skills, and tools to be ready for church ministry or continued education in your future.

Our program includes studies in topics such as:
The Meaning of ‘Evangelical’
The Sovereignty of God
The Doctrine of the Trinity
Salvation by Grace
Grace vs. Works
Meaning of the Cross

Holistic

You will learn from great theologians such as John Calvin, John Wesley, and Martin Luther. Holistically studying the perspectives of several major theologians will give you the understanding, confidence, and answers to address difficult theological questions. Courses such as Philosophy for Understanding Theology, Historical Theology, and Contemporary Theology produce the foundation for you to develop as a theologian in your own right.

Contemporary

You will study in a contemporary, multicultural, and denominationally-diverse Christian community. Our professors tailor and teach courses such as Prayer and the People of God, Theology of the Human Person, World Religions, Christianity and Islam, and, Evil and Suffering to help you understand and address the issues relevant to today’s church.

The Master of Divinity is a three-year professional ministry degree that provides you with knowledge and skills to be an effective and holistic ministry leader. The MDiv blends academic study, mentored learning and practical experience in a comprehensive program that will prepare you for ordained ministry or for Christian leadership in its various forms.

MDiv students will acquire foundational preparation for ordained ministry and for Christian leadership in congregations and other settings. Students will:

develop breadth of knowledge and critical understanding of the theological disciplines;

acquire capacities for understanding and engaging the cultural, social, and global context of God’s mission in the world;

experience personal and professional growth through a process of intellectual, spiritual and ministry formation;

develop and hone skills for theologically reflective ministry practice in its various forms.

Electives (4 Courses)

Total MDiv Courses: 27

The Master of Theological Studies is a two-year graduate degree that helps you understand the biblical, theological and historical foundations of the Christian faith. The MTS is flexible program that can be tailored to meet your learning and ministry interests, or help you prepare you for further studies. Students may select electives from across the curriculum, or use them to focus their studies in a chosen concentration.

Students completing the MTS program will acquire a broad understanding of the theological disciplines for Christian faith and practice. Students will:

gain theological understanding and insight through study of the heritage of Christian scripture, history, theology and ministry;

develop aptitudes for thinking critically, theologically and biblically in relation to faith, vocation and ministry;

acquire critical awareness of God’s mission in the world in its social, cultural and global contexts;

demonstrate depth of understanding in a particular field (for those opting to concentrate in an area of study).

The MTS Modular is a specialized, cohort-based program that allows students to complete the degree, one evening per week, in a fixed sequence of courses delivered over three years.

Electives (8 Courses)

Total MTS Courses: 18

The one-year Graduate Diploma program provides you with a foundation of biblical, theological and ministry studies for your spiritual growth and ministry development. The Graduate Diploma allows you to tailor your studies to meet your learning and ministry needs. You may choose a concentration in Christian Studies, Leadership, Global Mission and Intercultural Studies, Pastoral and Chinese Ministry Foundations, Pentecostal Studies, Spiritual Formation or Youth and Family Ministry.

The Diploma in Christian Studies may also be taken on Monday evenings in a modular, cohort-based format with a fixed sequence of nine (9) courses delivered over one and a half years. The MTS (Christian Studies) may be taken entirely online.

All successfully-completed coursework can be transferred to the MDiv and MTS programs.

The Master of Theology is an advanced academic degree that provides you with an opportunity for in-depth study at an advanced level.

Students completing the Master of Theology degree will be prepared for further studies at the doctoral level and/or for the scholarly enhancement of their ministerial and missional practice. Students will:

acquire advanced, in-depth knowledge and competence in one of the following disciplines: Old Testament, New Testament, Theology (including Spiritual Theology) or Church History;

develop advanced skills in theological research and writing, including engagement with primary resources, scholarly exchange in a peer community, and communication of research results for the church and the academy;

With the option of a thesis and a non-thesis route, you can tailor your education experience to best fit your academic or ministry goals. To do a ThM in this specific study area you will need to take electives specific to the study area.

Program Requirements

ThM Courses (4):

[INTD 0900] Interdisciplinary Seminar: Text and Interpretation*

One other ThM Interdisciplinary Seminar

[INTD 0920] Advanced Research Methods

OLDT, NEWT, THEO or HIST 0901 Directed Readings

Advanced MDiv/MTS/ThM Courses (2)

Courses in subject area

Thesis (2)

OLDT, NEWT, THEO or HIST 0911 Thesis Research and Writing

(In lieu of a thesis, students taking the non-thesis option shall take two additional courses in their subject area as approved by the Director. Please refer to Seminary Thesis Handbook)

Total Degree Courses: 8

Notes:
* Students whose subject area is Spiritual Theology may substitute INTD 0950 ThM Interdisciplinary Seminar: Spiritual Theology for INTD 0900: Text and Interpretation.
** Course choices should be made in consultation with the Director.

Whether you're interested in vocational ministry and leadership or personal study and enrichment, Tyndale offers a wide range of degree options that will meet your needs and goals.

Graduate Diploma**

MTSMaster of Theological Studies**

MDivMaster of Divinity***

ThMMaster of Theology

DMinDoctor of Ministry

A program geared toward adult learners interested in being equipped for ministry in their chosen profession

A degree that will develop students' theological understanding for general educational purposes

A degree designed primarily for those considering vocational, church-based ministry

An advanced academic degree that provides an opportunity toexplore biblical, theological or historical studies in preparation for a PhD or ThD program

An advanced professional degree designed for church leaders whose ministry will be integrated into their study and research

Description

9

18

27

6 courses + thesis

6 intensive modules + a major project

Courses
Required

1 year

2 years

3 years

1 year

3 years

Duration*

Want to enhance your biblical and theological understandings in a setting that will engage your intellect and deepen your faith

Are seeking a foundational graduate degree that can be utilized in a wide range of professional and ministerial contexts

Wish to prepare for ordained ministry or for general pastoral and religious leadership responsibilities in congregations and other settings

Have completed an MDiv or MTS and wish to enhance your ministerial and missional practice with additional scholarship, or prepare for further study at the doctoral level

Have completed an MDiv or equivalent and are engaged in substantive ministry further developing your skills and capacities for effective leadership

Pursue if...

Notes:
* Program durations are based on a traditional, full-time course load of nine courses per year.
** Also offered in a modular format designed to meet the needs of students with full-time demands such as family, church or career.
*** Tyndale also offers an In-Ministry MDiv degree program for people who are engaged in part-time or full-time in vocational Christian ministry.

Dr. Ngien has taught at the Toronto School of Theology, McMaster Divinity College and several seminaries abroad. He is the author of The Suffering of God according to Martin Luther's Theologia Crucis (1995; reprint 2003 and 2005); Apologetic for Filioque in Medieval Theology (2005); Luther as a Spiritual Adviser: The Interface of Theology and Piety in Luther's Devotional Writings (2007); A Faith Worth Believing, Living and Commending (2008); Gifted Response: The Triune God as the Causative Agency of our Responsive Worship (2008); and Giving Wings to the Soul (2011). His next book Interpretation of Love -- God's and Ours, is scheduled to be published early 2013. His articles have appeared in journals such as International Journal of Systematic Theology, Scottish Bulletin of Evangelical Theology, Evangelical Review of Theology, Themelios, Heythrop Journal, etc. His article, The God Who suffers, appeared at Christianity Today's 50th anniversary webpage, and is considered as one of the significant works. Founder of Centre for Mentorship and Theological Reflection (dennisngiencentre.ca), he spends time in mentoring scholars, theological students, pastors, church leaders and assisting churches in advisory and teaching capacities. Recently he was nominated as "Research Scholar in Theology" at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford University, where he is on residence at different periods of the academic year.

» Program Faculty

Dr. Ronald Kydd

Associate Professor of Church History

BA, University of Manitoba, 1967MDiv, Lutheran Theological Seminary, 1968PhD, University of St. Andrews, 1973

Areas of Specialization: Patristics, Renewal/Charismatic Movements, Pneumatology, Ancient Church of the East

Dr. Kydd has taught at a number of institutions over the years, including the School of Religious Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Eastern Pentecostal Bible College (now Master’s College & Seminary), St. Paul’s University and McMaster Divinity College. Previously he served as faculty member, academic dean and acting president at Central Pentecostal College. His published books include Charismatic Gifts in the Early Church, Healing through the Centuries: Models for Understanding, and Finding Pieces of the Puzzle: A Fresh Look at the Christian Story. His numerous articles have appeared in the Scottish Journal of Theology, Journal of the Canadian Church Historical Society, Église et Théology, Pneuma, Journal of Pentecostal Theology, Ecumenical Trends, Studia Patristica, Twenty Centuries of Christian Worship (edited by Robert Webber), The Ecumenist, Ecumenism, Aspects of the Canadian Evangelical Experience (edited by G.A. Rawlyk) and The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements (edited by Stanley M. Burgess and Eduard M. Van Der Maas). An ordained minister, Dr. Kydd was founding pastor of Kanata Pentecostal Church and most recently served as Associate Priest at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Coburg. He has been deeply involved in ecumenical dialogue and participating in conferences of the World Council of Churches in Spain, Syria and Switzerland

Dr. Victor A. Shepherd

Professor of Theology

BA, University of Toronto, 1965MA, University of Toronto, 1969BD, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, 1970
Post-graduate studies in New Testament, University of Aberdeen, 1973-1974ThD, Emmanuel College, University of Toronto, 1978STD(honoris causa), Roberts Wesleyan College, 1995

Dr. Shepherd has taught at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Toronto School of Theology and McMaster University. He is also Adjunct Professor at Trinity College and Wycliffe College, University of Toronto where he supervises doctoral students. In 2005 he was made Professor Ordinarius of The University of Oxford, U.K.

Author of 11 books (The Nature and Function of Faith in the Theology of John Calvin, Seasons of Grace, So Great A Cloud of Witnesses, Ponder and Pray, Making Sense of Christian Faith, Witnesses to the Word [translated into Turkish in 2004], Our Evangelical Faith [translated into Chinese in 2008], Do You Love Me?—And Other Questions Jesus Asks, Interpreting Martin Luther: An Introduction to His Life and Thought, A Ministry Dearer than Life, Mercy Immense and Free), numerous audio-sets of lectures, as well as over three hundred articles, he has addressed learned societies both in Canada and abroad, including the North American Calvin Studies Society and the Oxford Institute of Methodist Theological Studies. Twice he has been invited to the International Calvin Studies Colloquium, those deemed to be the world's best one hundred Calvin scholars. He is a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

One Course at a Time

If you have completed a baccalaureate degree and wish to take graduate-level course you can become an occasional student or audit a course. Or if you are registered at another graduate theological institution and are eligible to take courses at Tyndale Seminary, you can submit a Letter of Permission.

The following is a list of all degrees, diplomas, and areas of study offered at Tyndale Seminary. As a graduate theological school, Tyndale Seminary admits students who have completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university or college (see admissions requirements). Click on each of the items below to find descriptions, opportunities and course requirements.